Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Travel benefits, such as reduced rates for transportation and lodging, attract many people to this occupation. Training at a postsecondary vocational school, college, or university is increasingly important. Travel agents increasingly specialize in specific destinations or type of travel or traveler. Keen competition for jobs is expected.
On average, Travel Agents earn $ 29,210 per year.
Job Opportunities for Travel Agents are expected to:
Increase much slower than the average.
Travel agents help travelers sort through vast amounts of information to help them make the best possible travel arrangements. They offer advice on destinations and make arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and tours for their clients. They are also the primary source of bookings for most of the major cruise lines. In addition, resorts and specialty travel groups use travel agents to promote travel packages to their clients.
The minimum requirement for those interested in becoming a travel agent is a high school diploma or equivalent; although many travel agencies prefer applicants who have a college degree and business or travel experience. Much of the training is provided on the job, a significant part of which consists of instruction on how to use reservation systems. Training specific to becoming a travel agent is available at the many vocational schools that offer full-time travel agent programs leading to a postsecondary vocational award.
Travel agents held about 101,000 jobs in May 2006 and are found in every part of the country. Nearly two-thirds worked for travel agencies. Another 13 percent were self-employed. The remainder worked for tour operators, visitors bureaus, reservation offices, and other travel arrangers.
